Lake Snowden – Fishing, Camping, Boating

Lake Snowden is a 675-acre education and recreation park located in Southeast Ohio. It offers a campground and many outdoor activities. 

About Lake Snowden

Located in Southeast Ohio, Lake Snowden is a popular destination for many reasons! The lake covers over 130 acres and offers camping, boating, fishing, picnicking, and swimming. Lake Snowden is only about 6 miles from Athens, Ohio, making it easy to get to. 

Lake Snowden was developed as part of the Margaret Creek Watershed Project. The dam was completed in 1970 and the recreation pool was completed in 1972. Not only does Lake Snowden provide an outlet for recreational activities, but it also helps to provide flood control and water supply. Eventually, the land was given to Hocking College.

The maximum depth of Lake Snowden is approximately 42 feet. The shoreline varies from silty clay loam to loam soils. 

Today, Lake Snowden has many features that the public can enjoy such as a swimming beach, boat ramp, campgrounds, horse camp, horse trails, picnic grounds, and more.

Things to Do at Lake Snowden

Camping

Camping is available daily, weekly, monthly, or seasonally. There is a total of 125 campsites. Of those campsites, 95 have electricity and 30 are for primitive camping. When it is just my husband and I, we usually like to have a 3-person tent for extra room. I’ve recently been searching for the best 3-person tent.

The campsites are divided into four areas:

• Locust Grove: the ideal spot for those who bring their horses and want to use the bridle trails.
• Hickory Camp: more off the beaten path but still close to the camp shelter.
• Hilltop Camp: with hot showers and flush toilets.
• Big Oak: with lakefront sites and a play area.

Typically, campsites are first come, first served, however, reservations are accepted with advance payment. About half the sites are set aside for seasonal use. 

Fishing

Fishing is one of the big draws to the lake. It has everything from bluegill to largemouth bass, which makes the fishing great for both beginners and experienced fishermen.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has helped the largemouth bass population at Lake Snowden. Currently, bass measuring 12-15 inches must be returned to the lake, however, bass measuring less than 12 inches can be kept. 

Fishing is free at Lake Snowden and open to the public, however, the Ohio Division of Wildlife does require people over the age of 16 to have a valid fishing license. Be sure to bring that with you. 

Boating

Boat rentals are available at Lake Snowden. You can rent canoes, rowboats, paddle boats, and kayaks.  There is a no-wake, idle-only rule for the lake. This helps to protect the calm setting and shoreline. 

Boaters can expect to see lots of wildlife such as wild turkey, rabbit, raccoon, fox, mink, squirrel, duck beaver, and of course aquatic wildlife. 

There is no cost to boat on Lake Snowden and it is open to the public. Make sure that your watercraft has a valid registration if you bring your own boat. 

Swimming

Lake Snowden offers a grass and sand beach area. There is an inflatable water park that is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year. While there are lifeguards on duty, adults need to supervise their children. 

Waterpark guests must sign a waiver. The beach is open daily from 11 am to 7 pm. It is free to swim, but there is a charge for the inflatable water park.

Bridle Trails

There are 12.5 miles of trails that are designated for horseback riding. As well as a 25-site horse camp. The camp handles RVs as well as trailers. It has electric and water hookups. 

There is a daily cost to use the horse trails as well as a seasonal pass for those who use them frequently. 

Shelter Rental

There are two different shelter houses available for rent at Lake Snowden. Both shelters have a 75-person capacity. The shelter houses are available only by reservation. Both shelters have electricity and are near fields where you can play softball or other games. 

Where is Lake Snowden Located?

• Address: 5900 US Highway 50, Albany, Ohio 45710
• Phone: 740-589-9930 | Website

Location Map for Lake Snowden

Let’s Visit Lake Snowden!

Have you been to Lake Snowden? We want to know about your visit! Drop us a comment below telling us about your experience.

A few more places to stay in Ohio include Columbia Woodlands Dreamcatcher Cabin, Hocking Hills Treehouse Cabins, Frankie’s Waterfront House, and Luna Cottage (a tiny house in Hocking Hills).